It’s a known fact that the holiday season at Walt Disney World is absolutely magical. With four parks to enjoy the Christmas season in it can be easy to overlook some of the different offerings available for your enjoyment. Holiday’s Around the World is one unique celebration found at Disney, located in EPCOT park in the World Showcase.
The holiday celebrations at EPCOT usually begin Thanksgiving weekend and continue through the end of December. Guests at EPCOT can experience the unique holiday exhibits in 11 different countries featured in the World Showcase.
Demonstration in Japan on the World Showcase sharing the holiday themes found in that beautiful country
Here you can learn about the holiday traditions special to each country and interact with special guests (Pere Noel in France, Father Christmas in the United Kingdom, and the Three Kings in Mexico to name a few).
Greeting Pere Noel in France at the World Showcase
New to the EPCOT holiday celebration is the addition of festive food kiosks around the world showcase featuring holiday treats from different regions of the world. From warm holiday beverages in the Alpine Village to scrumptious Southern Christmas dinner classics, there is something for everyone, every taste bringing you closer to the holiday experiences across the world.
The flawlessly talented Voices of Liberty featured in the rotunda in the American Adventure
The Candlelight Processional is a holiday standard now at EPCOT, presented in the American Gardens Theatre. The nativity story is presented in song with narration by celebrity guests (this years line up includes Whoopi Goldberg, Cal Ripken Jr. Neil Patrick Harris and Edward James Olmos). The musical production features a mass choir, the Voices of Liberty and a 50 piece orchestra. There are 3 shows each evening (5pm, 6:45pm and 8:15pm). It’s truly a classic experience and each time my family attends we are filled with the warmth of the season and the hope it promises.
The American Adventure features a short presentation on Kwanzaa’s history and culture that is interactive for the kids
Another musical presentation, unique to the holidays at EPCOT is JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration. Performed on the Future World Fountain Stage this concert features a meld of musical styles, full of soul and Christmas cheer in an fun atmosphere.
The Hanukkah presentation, also at the American Adventure, offered a short history of the holiday and shared the warmth of the celebration
Even the epic Illuminations: Reflections of Earth fireworks show at 9pm each night features holiday additions and themes that make for a truly special end to the day at the park.
Father Christmas greeting park visitors in the United Kingdom
EPCOT has always been my favorite park at Walt Disney World and the Holidays Around the World is one of the biggest reasons I love it so much. If you are planning a visit to Disney during the holidays you must plan to spend a day just enjoying this special treat and filling your hearts with holiday cheer.
Have any of you had the chance to enjoy the Holidays Around the World at EPCOT? What is your favorite experience to enjoy at Walt Disney World during the Christmas season?
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